We are still in Autumn, but the temperature is saying that Old Man Winter is not far off. For the last few days we have not had our temperature rise above the upper thirties, and the morning lows keep getting lower. Right now we are at the low for the month at 14.1°F. The sky overnight was quite clear allowing for significant radiational cooling. Fortunately there has been very little wind, so the wind chill has remained equal to the temperature. N.O.A.A. did get the predominant weather forecast correct, and the cloud cover as well. I can only estimate the cloud cover because I did not actually see it, and I have no way to measure it at this point.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation and very low cloud cover (13%/12%/10%/10%). The NEXRAD regional radar currently shows a system moving through Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but it does not look like it has a northern vector, and should not affect us at all. There might be a few clouds from it in southernmost Maine. The Weather Underground model forecast maps are another matter. They are becoming more difficult to interpret. The frontal system that a couple days ago was going to transfer its energy to an offshore storm now looks like it is taking direct aim at us. It may well provide this area with its first real snow of the season. It is expected to start around 21:00 on Tuesday and last until around 03:00 on Wednesday. A second frontal system looks like it will affect us starting around 21:00 Wednesday and lasting until around noon on Thanksgiving Day. It might not be a really good day to be on the road Thursday.
My Weather Stick is frowning again, but then the relative humidity is at 81%. All three of my electronic instruments forecast fair skies with rising barometric pressure. I do not know how high the pressure can rise, but the remote weather station is recording 20.97 in. Hg, and the La Crosse Weather Station read 30.63 in. Hg. My analog barometer has a reading of 30.49 in. Hg. I am not sure if that latter has been calibrated correctly, but it is still quite high. The recorded low temperatures were 14.1°F, 17.1°F and 25.5°F for the Weather Station, Min/Max Thermometer and remote weather station respectively. The latter is in the barn where all the animals are housed. My best guess for today's weather is that it will be clear and quite crisp during the day, but that
conditions will begin to deteriorate as we get into the overnight. Looking way ahead to the holiday, this may be the first time in several years that we will have a white Thanksgiving, at least that is what the Weather Underground model forecast maps seem to indicate. According to the predictions for the general weather from Tuesday through Thursday we can expect some light snow and or sleet for the entire period. Of course all the snow is light, it just becomes a problem when it gangs up on us.
Low Temperature (°F): 14.1
Current Temperature (°F): 14.9
Relative Humidity (%): 81%
Dew Point (°F): 10.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.63
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 14.9
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:21°F/25.1°F//20°F/20.4°F//17°F/18.3°F//14°F/17.4°F
Relative Humidity: 66%/64%//74%/71%//81%/77%//84%/80%
The N.W.S. had a handle on the forecast for the overnight temperature and relative humidity. There were within five degrees and five percent of the actual temperature and relative humidity readings at my location in Wilton, Maine. Nice job folks.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 16°F/28°F/35°F/33°F
Relative Humidity: 80%/50%/40%/43%

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